Using Data to Improve Educational Outcomes. A College Readiness Issue Brief

TERi (The Education Resources Institute, Inc)

The use of data is a powerful tool to strengthen academic outcomes for all students--especially underserved students. Using data tells everyone whether certain groups of students have been disproportionately tracked into lower level classes or special education and whether or not they are proportionately represented in college-prep classes, honors or advanced placement courses, and other academic enrichment programs. Data disaggregated by factors such as race/ethnicity, English proficiency, income level, and disability status can lead to policies and practices designed to reduce dropout rates and improve the quality of instruction for underserved students. This brief discusses the following: (1) how data use can improve educational outcomes; (2) the most useful types of data; (3) the factors that hinder effective data use; and (4) actions stakeholders can take "now".